Manchester First Bus strike to go ahead over pay freeze
4th September 2009
Workers at First Bus, Manchester, are to commence a series of 24
hour strikes on Friday, September 11th, 2009.
Further all day stoppages are set to start at 04:00 hours on
Monday September 14th, Monday September 21st and Monday September
28th, 2009 as 833 bus drivers, all members of Unite the union based
in Wigan, Bolton and Bury, take strike action following First
Group’s imposition of a zero per cent pay deal.
Unite believes First Bus is using the recession as an excuse to
freeze workers' pay. Only months ago First Group announced £134
million record profits, demonstrating its profits during the
recession are extremely healthy.
Talks with ACAS failed to resolve the dispute, however Unite
will meet First Bus management on Wednesday September 9th in a
final attempt to settle the dispute and avoid industrial
action.
Unite industrial organiser, Bobby Morton, said: “This decision
to impose a zero per cent pay deal is based on greed.
"First Group made millions of pounds in profits this year,
despite the recession, yet are refusing to play fair by the
employees who helped deliver these results.
"These workers are already struggling in the recession to
support their families, they need support from their employer and
this insulting pay offer is simply not acceptable.
"This dispute could be resolved if the company returns to the
table with a reasonable pay offer.”
The consultative ballot resulted in a resounding 95 per cent of
union members voting to take part for strike action.
ENDS
For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on 01704
546 500 or 07768 931 316
Notes to editors:
A picket line will be in place at Wigan, Bolton and Bury
depots.
- First Manchester, Melverley Street, Wigan WN5 3AH
- First Manchester, Weston Street, Bolton BL3 2AW
- First Manchester, Rochdale Road, Bury BL9 0QZ
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